Saudi Arabia Shares Expertise in Sustainable Development at Ninth 'Our Ocean' Conference in Greece

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is showcasing its leadership in sustainable development at the ninth United Nations Ocean Conference, on April 16th and 17th, 2024. The conference, themed "Our Ocean: Opportunities and Potential,” unites luminaries from governments, corporations, academia, and advocacy groups, all united in their dedication to safeguarding marine ecosystems.
According to the statement, the Kingdom's delegation led by Dr. the CEO of the National Center for Wildlife, Mohammed Qurba. Dr. Qurban's presence emphasizes Saudi Arabia's unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable resource management.
Kicking off with a dynamic youth summit on April 15th, the conference aims to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange, drawing upon successful models of ocean conservation from around the globe.
Across eight pivotal sessions, delegates delve into critical issues ranging from the establishment of marine protected areas to the promotion of sustainable blue economies, maritime security, climate change's impact on oceans, sustainable fisheries, and combatting marine pollution. The conference seeks to ensure that the world's oceans fulfill the needs of future generations, urging governments, organizations, and businesses to make enduring commitments that bolster the health and vitality of our marine environments.
In response to this global event, Dr. Mohammed Qurban affirms, "Our participation highlights Saudi Arabia's steadfast dedication to advancing sustainable development goals, preserving our oceans, and fostering the responsible utilization of marine resources, in alignment with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030."
He highlights key initiatives such as the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to expand protected areas to encompass 30% of the Kingdom's land and sea territory while planting 100 million mangrove trees by 2030.
Dr. Qurban emphasizes, "The Kingdom remains resolute in its mission to safeguard nature and its invaluable ecological treasures, with a special emphasis on the Red Sea region. We stand ready to deploy all necessary resources and efforts toward sustainable conservation endeavors."
Participation in forums like the "Our Ocean" Conference, he adds, facilitates invaluable knowledge sharing, cross-pollination of ideas, and the co-creation of innovative solutions to tackle environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices.
Since its inception in 2014, the Ocean Conference has been instrumental in highlighting the importance of oceans, which cover three-quarters of the Earth's surface. Over the past eight conferences, 2,160 commitments worth $130 billion have been announced. The ninth edition of the conference is expected to generate more commitments, with discussions on the progress of previous commitments.